Latvia’s most ancient town Ludza is located in the middle of moraine ridge creases, surrounded by many lakes. It is a center of the farthest Latvia’s eastern area, beyond which located there is Russia and Belarus.
Archeological heritage does certify that tribes of Latgali had been inhabiting this land rich of castle mounds and forests already in the 1st century B.C. In written sources Ludza was said to be mentioned for the first time in the year of 1173 in Russia’s Ypaty ancient scripture chronicle.
The area was on the crossroads of important trade roads between West Europe and Russia, and Ludza’s everyday life and characters of inhabitants were set by Easter culture contrasts. The busy small town which has always been a gate between Europe and Moscow, now is a small, quiet, green town surrounded by clear waters where one can feel presence of ancient history.
In the town there are Lielais Ludzas, Mazais Ludzas, Dunakļu, Zvirgzdenes and Runtortas lakes – in total 5, therefore Ludza is to be called the land of blue lakes.
Ludza is willingly offering for tourists its heritage of culture and history – ruins of the medieval mighty church, the beautiful, newly-built catholic church, L. Tomašicy’s made statue of Saint Virgin Maria – the queen of Māra land, Karņicky’s kin chapel, bell-ringer’s chapel under state protection, the restored in classical style built orthodox church in Ludza’s old center, Jewish synagogue, old-believers’ church … and many pleasant things. At your disposal there will be Ludza Local History museum employees who will organize excursions both in the town and by showing large expositions and Open-Air section with the 19th century Latgaļi buildings in the museum (Kuļņeva street 2). Here you will be able to see also the area craftsmen’s skills in exhibitions and try yourselves many of them in ancient trade workshops.
For reference: Ludza is 2412 km2 large. Distance from Ludza to Riga - 269 km, but to Moscow - 700 km.
In Tourism Information Center in Baznīcas street 42/11 you will find much information on possibilities of entertainment and night’s lodgings, as well as souvenirs and tourism materials.
More detailed information:
on Ludza town in home page: www.ludzaspils.lv
on Ludza district in home page: www.ludza.lv